Chelsea Captain Reece James has undergone surgery on a knee injury.
The club announced on Friday that James, who has regularly dealt with injury issues during his career, had a successful “minor” procedure.
England defender James was injured in training and forced to miss Chelsea’s 5-1 win over Bournemouth last Saturday, with surgery considered the best course of action.
Chelsea’s statement read in part“Reece has already started his road to recovery and will be supported by the club’s medical department at Cobham during this phase of his rehabilitation.”
The club did not give a deadline for the return of the versatile right-back.
His absence further limits Chelsea’s options in midfield, where James has played regularly in recent times.
While Chelsea have Marco Palestra and Malo Gusto to fill the void at right-back, James’ injury leaves them with just four senior midfield options in the form of Moises Caicedo, Jordan Henderson, Romeo Lavia and Valentin Barco.
Xabi Alonso’s men will face Everton in Saturday’s Premier League opener. A win would, at least temporarily, put Chelsea in the top four.